VENUS

I'm pleased to report that I didn't find Peter O'Toole remotely attractive.

If there were a Moviepie yearbook published every June, you can bet I'd be the one voted Most Likely to Marry a Formerly Famous Old Man. As such, I was recruited to review Venus, but I'm pleased to report that I didn't find Peter O'Toole remotely attractive. I could, however, understand why a washed-up ladies man and twenty-year-old wild child would find comfort and friendship in one another. I just imagined the whole affair would be a lot more heartwarming.

Maurice (Peter O'Toole) is entering the twilight of his life when his best friend's grand-niece Jessie (Jodie Whittaker) comes to stay. He's just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and his acting gigs have dwindled down to a few "Dying Old Man" roles. His days are spent visiting friends (including his affable ex-wife, played by Vanessa Redgrave), but they're all in similar states of failing health, and there's not much to remind him of his glorious youth. The exception, of course, is Jessie, who gives Maurice new incentive to call on his dear friend.

For her part, Jessie is sloppy, rude, and self-serving - absolutely repellent to every adult but Maurice. She's been kicked out of her mother's house for getting in trouble with a boy, and by trouble, I mean the old-fashioned kind that so often involved a back-alley abortion. Only Maurice seems unmoved by her total lack of manners, but his interest in Jessie is less than fatherly. They strike up a tentative friendship based on Jessie's interest in Maurice's fame and Maurice's interest in Jessie's youthful bod'.

Their time together amounts to this: Maurice rents a limo and lets Jessie stand up through the sunroof. Jessie lets Maurice kiss her shoulder. Maurice gets Jessie a modeling job, then (rather conspicuously) tries to see her naked. Some of their friends and family disapprove of their relationship, but for the most part, the two rascals are left to their own devices.

I wish I could say that the relationship is a truly transformative experience for both characters, but it's more of a stepping stone on the path to Maurice's death. Jessie certainly makes Maurice's last days happier, but it's difficult to see what impact he has on her life. He offers guidance and understanding to a certain extent, but she's rebellious and inconsiderate right up to the end. We see a subtle shift in her—perhaps she'll be more sensitive and compassionate in the future—but her life still lacks direction and stability.

There are several funny and endearing scenes showcasing the considerable talent of Mr. O'Toole, but as a whole, Venus is rather lackluster. I actually enjoyed Peter O'Toole's promotional interviews last winter far more than the film itself. He's chock-full of stories, and it's good to see him out and about. To tell you the truth, I'd rather let him kiss my shoulder than sit through the movie again. Ick.

DVD NOTES

Extra features include a "Making Of" featurette, director's commentary, and deleted scenes.